AGRICULTURAL GRASSES 63 



Poa trivial is- thrives in moist land. This is the chief constitu- 

 tional difference between the tA\'o plants, and although each of 

 them will to some extent conform to the conditions which 

 specially favour the other, yet the distinction clearly indicates 

 the use to which each one should, as a rule, be appUed. 



Poa pratcnsis does not root very deeply, but is dependent 

 principally upon the surface soil, and is therefore met with on 

 all geological formations if the surface happens to be suitable. 

 All eminent authorities concur in recommending it for good dry 

 soils, and my own experience has convinced me of the correct- 

 ness of then- opinion, but light land must be rich in humus to 

 ensure success. On heavy and tenacious soils this grass wiU 

 often grow, but it is not then seen to the greatest advantage. 



During the fii-st year Poa pratensis remains small and 

 does not throw up any stalks. When fully estabUshed it 

 flowers once annually ; after the stems are cut, no others are 

 formed until the following season. Primarily this is a pasture 

 gi'ass, because the flowers rise too early for the scythe. 

 Otherwise, for very forward cutting it is valuable for hay, 

 and when the crop has been taken, a good aftermath of leafy 

 herbage foUows. The earhness of Poa praten.si.s is no doubt 

 attributable to the fact that the plant appears to be insensible 

 to cold, or growth would not continue during spring frosts. 

 The presence of a large proportion of this grass will, by the 

 shelter it affords to other varieties, make an early pasture, and 

 for this reason it is of especial service to the grazier, to whom 

 half a ton of feed at the end of March or the beginning of 

 April is of more importance than a ton in IMay. 



For lawns, Smooth-stalked JNleadow Grass may be 

 freely so\i^ti, as it is strictly perennial, and forms a fine 

 compact turf. 



In the ^yest of Ireland, where this grass grows all the 

 year round, it should be largely used ; and, as one of the most 

 suitable grasses for fogging, it is serviceable in Wales. For 

 railway embankments or other situations on which a rapid 



